Government Launches LGBT Travel Site

The U.S. Department of State has launched a new section on its travel website, Trave.State.Gov. The main purpose of the website is to provide general travel information, such as how to obtain a passport or visa, how to get aid in cases of child abduction, and more. But now, there’s a new section: LGBT Travel Information.

It may be a little tricky to find, but it’s there, in the International Travel section under “International Travel Information.” It can also be found by searching or looking at the “A-Z Index of Topics” on the International Travel page. This is a fantastic resource for any LGBT Americans looking to travel abroad, where LGBT laws vary dramatically.

The LGBT information section on the website provides readers with general best practices when it comes to traveling abroad. Though it doesn’t provide country-specific information, it does encourage research in that area to determine what attitudes and laws might be in locations far from home. Visiting the “Country Specific Information” page allows users to see which countries provide aid and rights to LGBT people, and it also provides a list of potential problems when traveling in conservative country.

This is vital information for LGBT couples traveling abroad. While heterosexual couples may have to monitor their own affections to avoid upsetting people, LGBT couples could be jailed, fined, flogged, deported, or even sentenced to death depending on the country’s individual laws.

The page also provides a general list of tips for travelers (general and LGBT), such as general warnings about internet usage (some countries monitor and prohibit certain sites). LGBT couples and families can also find out what documentation they need to carry to verify their marital status, legal custody of their children, and more.

While some of the information on this site may be daunting for the LGBT person, it is a fantastic resource for LGBT travelers. Unfortunately, laws and regulations vary from country to country and not all have realized that putting people in prison or to death for their sexual orientation or gender identity is wrong. We hope that will change in the future, but for now, it’s nice to know how to protect yourself.